Magnetic field concentrating and or guiding devices and methods

ABSTRACT

A magnetic field concentrating or guiding device can include one or more coils, and one or more foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor structures disposed in one or more predetermined positions With relation to the coils. The one or more superconductor structures can form one or more magnetic field carrying regions. During operation, current passing through the one or more coils can generate one or more magnetic fields that are compressed or guided in the magnetic field carrying regions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Magnetic fields are utilized in a number of applications that caninclude, but are not limited to radiotherapy, radiosurgery, protontherapy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), accelerator magnets for high energy physics (HEP) research, andnuclear fusion. For example, magnetic fields can be utilized to directand/or focus charged particles. A number of applications utilizerelatively large magnetic flux densities. However, increasing themagnetic flux density of electro-magnets typically results in increasesin the size of the magnets, in the amount of material utilized in themagnets, in the weight of the magnets, in the current requirements, inthe cooling requirements of the magnets, in the complexity ofmanufacture and/or the like. Therefore, there is a continuing need forimproved devices and techniques for generating large magnetic fluxdensities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present technology may best be understood by referring to thefollowing description and accompanying drawings that are used toillustrate embodiments of the present technology directed towardmagnetic field concentrating and/or guiding devices and methods.

In one embodiment, a magnetic field concentrating or guiding device caninclude one or more coils and one, or more superconductor structures.The one or more coils can be configured to generate one or more magneticfields. The one or more superconductor structures can be disposed in oneor more predetermined positions with relation to the one or more coils.The one or more superconductor structures can be shaped to concentrateor guide the one or more magnetic fields generated by the one or morecoils.

In another embodiment, a magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodcan include providing a coil and providing a superconductor having achannel disposed in a predetermined orientation to the coil.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present technology arc illustrated by way of exampleand not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elementsand in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an exemplary device for concentrating a magneticfield, in accordance with one implementation of the present technology.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an exemplary device for concentrating a magneticfield, in accordance with another implementation of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary device for concentrating a magnetic field, inaccordance with another implementation of the present technology.

FIG. 4 shows a device for generating a magnetic field according to theconventional art.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary device for concentrating a magnetic field, inaccordance with another implementation of the present technology.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary device for concentrating a magnetic field, inaccordance with another implementation of the present technology.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary device for concentrating a higher ordermagnetic field, in accordance with another implementation of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary device for concentrating a higher ordermagnetic field, in accordance with another implementation of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 9 shows a magnetic field concentration method, in accordance withanother implementation of the present technology.

FIG. 10 shows a method of shaping one or more magnetic fields, inaccordance with another implementation of the present technology.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show an exemplary device for applying a concentratedmagnetic field to a charged particle, in accordance with anotherimplementation of the present technology.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary device for applying a concentrated magneticfield to a charged particle, in accordance with another implementationof the present technology.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary device for applying a concentrated magneticfield to a charged particle, in accordance with another implementationof the present technology.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplars' particle therapy system that includes one ormore devices for concentrating one or more magnetic fields, inaccordance with aspects of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presenttechnology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the present technology will be described in conjunctionwith these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the technology to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detaileddescription of the present technology, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presenttechnology. However, it is understood that the present technology may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the presenttechnology.

Some embodiments of the present technology which follow are presented interms of routines, modules, logic blocks, and other symbolicrepresentations of operations on data within one or more electronicdevices. The descriptions and representations are the means used bythose skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance oftheir work to others skilled in the art. A routine, module, logic blockand/or the like, is herein, and generally, conceived to be aself-consistent sequence of processes or instructions leading to adesired result. The processes are those including physical manipulationsof physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these physicalmanipulations take the form of electric or magnetic signals capable ofbeing stored, transferred, compared and otherwise manipulated in anelectronic device. For reasons of convenience, and with reference tocommon usage, these signals are referred to as data, bits, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, strings, and/or the likewith reference to embodiments of the present technology.

It should be borne in mind, however, that these terms are to beinterpreted as referencing physical manipulations and quantities and arcmerely convenient labels and are to be interpreted further in view ofterms commonly used in the art. Unless specifically stated otherwise asapparent from the following discussion, it is understood that throughdiscussions of the present technology, discussions utilizing the termssuch as “receiving,” and/or the like, refer to the actions and processesof an electronic device such as an electronic computing device thatmanipulates and transforms data. The data is represented as physical(e.g., electronic) quantities within the electronic device's logiccircuits, registers, memories and/or the like, and is transformed intoother data similarly represented as physical quantities within theelectronic device.

In this application, the use of the disjunctive is intended to includethe conjunctive. The use of definite or indefinite articles is notintended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to “the”object or “a” object Is intended to denote also one of a possibleplurality of such objects. The use of the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “includes,” “including” and the like specify the presenceof stated elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other elements and/or groups thereof. It is also to heunderstood that although the terms first, second, etc. may he usedherein to describe various elements, such elements should not he limitedby these terms. These terms are used herein to distinguish one elementfrom another. For example, a first element could be termed a secondclement, and similarly a second element could he termed a first element,without departing from the scope of embodiments. It is also to beunderstood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” toanother element, it may be directly or indirectly connected to the otherclement, or an intervening element may be present. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly connected” to another element,there are not intervening elements present. It is also to he understoodthat the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or moreof the associated elements. It is also to he understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

Embodiments of the, present technology provide devices for concentratingand/or guiding magnetic fields. The devices can include one or moreconductive coils and one or more superconductor structures disposed inpredetermined positions with relation to the one or more conductivecoils. The one or more conductive coils can be configured to generateone or more magnetic fields. The one or more superconductor structurescan be configured to concentrate the one or more magnetic fields.Aspects of the present technology will be further explained withreference to the following exemplary implementations. However, aspectsof the present technology are not limited to the following exemplaryimplementation. Instead, aspects of the present technology can beapplied to numerous other implementations.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an exemplary device for concentratinga magnetic field, in accordance with one implementation of the presenttechnology, is shown, An end view of the device is illustrated in FIG.1A, and a cutaway, along section line A-A, side view oft e device isillustrated in FIG. 1B. The device 100 can include a conductive coil 110and one or more superconductor structures 120 disposed within theconductive coil 110. As used herein a coil refers to one or more currentcarrying elements arranged in one or more rotations about a volume thatis configured to generate a magnetic field. The current carrying elementcan be arranged in any geometry, including but not limited to a singlehelix winding, a plurality of concentric helix windings, one or morecanted helix windings, or one or more cosine-theta windings. Theconductive coil 110 can for example, be a solenoid. The conductive coil110 can he a metal conductor, herein referred to as a resistiveconductor, or a non-resistive conductor, herein referred to as asuperconductor, disposed in a path around a length of a volume. Althoughthe conductive coil 110 is illustrated as a cylinder, the conductivecoil 110 can have any form factor, such as but not limited to cube,parallelepiped. pentagonal prism, hexagon prism, including curvedversions of such shapes and other similar volumetric shapes. Similarly,the conductor of the conductive coil 110 can have any cross-sectionalform factor, such as but not limited to round, oblong, square orrectangular

In one implementation, the one or more superconductor structures 120 cancomprise one or more foil or tape superconductor structures. In anotherimplementation, the one or more superconductor structures 120 cancomprise one or more bulk superconductor structures. The one or moresuperconductor structures 120 can be formed from a medium-temperaturesuperconductor material or high-temperature superconductor material. Thehigh-temperature superconductor material can include, but is not limitedto, rare-earth barium copper oxides (REBCO) such as yttrium bariumcopper oxide (YBCO), or gadolinium barium copper oxide (GdBCO), oreuropium barium copper oxide (EUBCO), lanthanum barium copper oxide(LBCO), and different types of bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide(BSCCO). The medium-temperature superconductor material can include, butis not limited to, magnesium diboride (MgB2), or iron (Fe) basedsuperconductors, also referred to as Pnictides. As used herein the termbulk superconductor material refers to superconductor materials, asopposed to structures that comprise a combination a superconductormaterial in combination with a resistive conductor such as copper,silver or the like which are also commonly referred to assuperconductors and which typically are manufactured in the form ofelongated strips, tapes or wires. The foil or tape superconductorstructures as used herein are commonly referred to as coated conductorsin which the superconductor layer is applied to a substrate made of e.g.Hastelloy, stainless steel and similar alloys or nickel alloys, e.g.with tungsten (e.g. Ni-WS with 5% tungsten)As used hereinhigh-temperature superconductor material refers to materials thatexhibit superconductivity above about 40 Kelvin (K). As used hereinmedium-temperature superconductor material refers to materials thatexhibit superconductivity above about 25 Kelvin (K). In oneimplementation, the one or more superconductor structures 120 caninclude a type-II superconductor. The type-I superconductor cansubstantially exclude magnetic fields from passing through thesuperconductor structures 120. In another implementation, the one ormore superconductor structures 120 can include a type-II superconductor.The type-II superconductor in a mixed state can allow a portion of amagnetic field to pass through the superconductor structures 120, whilethe rest of the magnetic field is excluded from passing through thesuperconductor structures 120.

The one or more foil or tape superconductor structures can comprise acontinuous superconducting path in the foil or tape plane. For example,a stack of REBCO foils or tapes can be used instead of, or incombination with, bulk superconducting material to similarly partiallyor completely expel the magnetic flux, thereby concentrating themagnetic flux in an area where the superconducting foils or tapes arenot present. In one implementation, the foil or tape superconductor canhave a continuous path in a plane perpendicular to the magnetic flux.

The shape of the one or more superconductor structures 120 can, forexample, form one or more channels 130 disposed lengthwise through theone or more superconductor structures 120. The one or more channels 130can have any form factor. The one or more channels 130 can for exampleextend to at least one side of the coil 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 1Aand 1B. In another example, the one or more channels can also extend outthrough the foil, tape and/or bulk superconducting material in one ormore widthwise directions and the entire length of the coil 110, asillustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, or one or more portions of the length.

The device 100 can optionally include one or more magnetic shields 140disposed in one or more predetermined positions with relation to thecoil 110. The one or more magnetic shield structures 140, for example,can comprise a foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor structure. The oneor more magnetic shield structures 140 of superconductor can beconfigured to reduce, or even fully remove, undesirable stray magneticfields around the device 100. The one or more magnetic shield structures140, for example, can be disposed about the outside of the coil, asillustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Although the magnetic shield structure140 is illustrated as a cylinder surrounding the outside length of thecoil 110, the magnetic shield structure 140 can have any form factor.

During operation of the device 100 the one or more superconductorstructures 120, 125 are maintained at or below the critical temperatureof the superconductor material. For example, one or more coolers (notshown) can be coupled to the one or more superconductor structures 120.125. The one or more coolers can be configured to cool the one or moresuperconductor structures 120, 125 below the critical temperature of thesuperconductor material before the coil 110 generates one or moremagnetic fields. The one or more coolers can then maintain the one ormore superconductor structures 120, 125 below the critical temperaturewhile the coil 110 generates one or more magnetic fields. The one ormore coolers can include one or more cryocoolers, cryogen-baths or thelike, thermally coupled to the one or more superconductor structures120, 125. During operation of the device 100, a current flows throughthe coil 110 generating the one or more magnetic fields. The shape ofthe one or more superconductor structures 120, 125 is configured toconcentrate the magnetic fields generated by the coil 110. The magneticfield generated by the coil 110 does not pass, or passes only partiallythrough the one or more superconductor structure 120, 125 when operatingat or below the critical temperature. Instead, the magnetic field 310generated by the coil 110 is concentrated by the one or moresuperconductor structures 120, 125 in the one or more channels 130disposed through the one or more superconductor structures 120. 125, asillustrated in FIG. 3.

In comparison, FIG. 4 illustrates the magnetic field 410 generated by acoil 420 in accordance with the conventional art. When a current flowsthrough the coil 420, illustrated as going into the page in the upperconductors and coming out of the page in the lower conductors, amagnetic field 410 is generated with a flux from left to right throughthe center 430 of the coil 420 and wrapping around the outside of thecoil 420. The magnetic field 410 is distributed throughout the center420 of the coil 420.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the same magnetic field generated by the coil110 is concentrated by the one or more superconductor structures 120,125 into the smaller area of the one or more channels 130 through thesuperconductor structures 120, 125. Therefore, the magnetic flux densitycan, advantageously be increased in a given area by the one or moresuperconductor structures 120, 125 concentrating the magnetic field inthe one or more channels 130 disposed through the one or moresuperconductor structures 120,125 for the same amount of current flowingthrough the same coils 110, 420. For example, a 2-3 Tesla (T) magneticfield 410 generated by a coil 420 can be concentrated by asuperconductor structure 120, 125 to achieve a 7 T magnetic field in achannel 130 disposed through the superconductor structures 120, 125within the coil 110.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary device for concentrating amagnetic field, in accordance with another implementation of the presenttechnology, is shown. The device 500 can include a conductive coil 510and one or more superconductor structures 515, 520 disposed outside theconductive coil 510. Iii other implementations, the one or moresuperconductor structures 515, 520 can he disposed in any orientationwith respect to the coil 510 to condense, guide or the like the magneticfield 525.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary device for concentrating amagnetic field, in accordance with another implementation of the presenttechnology. Again, the device 600 can include a conductive coil 610 andone or more superconductor structures 615, 620 disposed within theconductive coil 610. The one or more superconductor structures 615, 620can further include one or more tapers 625 to further condense, guide orthe like the magnetic field 630. For example, the superconductorstructures 615, 620 can farther include wider entry and exits at theends of the conductive coil 610. Furthermore, the superconductorstructures 615, 620 disposed in any orientation with respect to the coilcan include any form factor of tapers to condense, guide or the like themagnetic field.

In other implementations, the devices 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 canfurther combine superconducting flux guidance with magnetic fluxguidance. For example, magnetic materials, including hut not limited toparamagnetic, ferromagnetic, holmium and the like materials can heutilized in combination with the superconductor structures. Theadditional magnetic materials can be disposed as liners in the one ormore channels along the superconductor structures, outside thesuperconductor structures proximate the entry and/or exit to the one ormore channels, and/or the like. The additional magnetic materials canfor example he utilized to improve or modify the magnetic fluxdistribution in the one or more channels, the discontinuity in themagnetic field at the entry and or exit to the one or more channels,and/or the like.

Implementations of aspects of the present technology can also includedevices for concentrating, guiding or the like higher order magneticfields. For example, a plurality of coils can he employed to generatehigher order magnetic fields, and one or more foil, tape and/or bulksuperconductor structures disposed in predetermined positions relativeto the solenoids can concentrate the higher order magnetic fields. Thehigher order magnetic fields can include quadrupole, sextuple, octupoleand higher.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary device for concentrating a higherorder magnetic field, in accordance with another implementation of thepresent technology, is shown. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section view ofan exemplary quadrupole device 700 including four conductive coils710-725. One or more foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor structures730-765 Call be disposed within each of the conductive coils 710-725.Again, the conductive coils 710-725 can be a resistive conductor or asuperconductor disposed in a helix path around a length of a volume. Theconductive coils 710-725 can have any form factor. Again, the one ormore foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor structures 730-765 can beformed from a medium-temperature superconductor material orhigh-temperature superconductor material.

Again, the shape of the one or more foil, tape and/or bulksuperconductor structures 730-765 can for example term one or morechannels 770-785 disposed lengthwise through the one or moresuperconductor structures 730-765. The one or more channels 770-785 canhave any form factor. Again, the one or more foil, tape and/or bulksuperconductor structures 730-765 can be disposed with each coil 710-725as illustrated in FIG. 7, can be disposed outside the coils (not shown),or can be disposed inside and outside the coils as illustrated in FIG.8, to condense, guide or the like the one or more magnetic fields.

Again, the device 700 can also optionally include one or more magneticshields (not shown) disposed in one or more predetermined positions withrelation to the coils 710-725. The one or more magnetic shieldstructures, for example, can comprise a foil, tape and/or bulksuperconductor shields.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a magnetic field concentration method, inaccordance with another implementation of the present technology, isshown. The method can include providing a coil, at 910. The coil can bea resistive conductor or a superconductor coil disposed in a helix patharound a length of a volume. Alternatively, the coil can be resistiveconductor or a superconductor coil disposed in a double-helix, doubleracetrack, cosine theta, canted cosine-theta or the like. Providing thecoil can further include providing a current passing through theresistive or superconducting coil. If the coil is comprised of asuperconductor, providing the coil can also further include coolingsuperconductor coil below the critical temperature of the superconductorcoil.

At 920, a foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor can be provided in oneor more predetermined positions with relation to the coil. The foil,tape and/or bulk superconductor can be a medium-temperature orhigh-temperature superconductor. Providing the foil, tape and/or bulksuperconductor can further include providing one or more foil tapeand/or bulk superconductor structures disposed in one or morepredetermined positions with relation to the coil and shaped toconcentrate the one or more magnetic fields. In one implementation, thefoil, tape and/or bulk superconductor can include a type-Isuperconductor. The type-I superconductor can substantially excludemagnetic fields from passing through the superconductor such that themagnetic field is concentrated or guided through one or more channelsformed by the one or more foil, tape and/or bulk superconductorstructures. In another implementation, the foil, tape and/or bulksuperconductor can include a type-II superconductor. The type-IIsuperconductor in a mixed state can allow a portion of a magnetic fieldto pass through the superconductor structures, while the rest of themagnetic field is concentrated or guided through one or more channelformed by the one or more foil, tape and/or bulk superconductorstructures. Providing the foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor can alsofurther include cooling the foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor belowthe critical temperature of the superconductor material. In oneimplementation, the foil tape and/or bulk superconductor can he cooledbelow the critical temperature of the superconductor material before thecoil generates one or more magnetic fields. The foil, tape and/or bulksuperconductor can then be maintained below the critical temperaturewhile the coil generates one or more magnetic fields.

The magnetic field concentration method can be further extended toproviding a plurality of coils and providing one or more foil, tapeand/or bulk superconductor structures disposed in one or morepredetermined positions with relation to the coils.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a method of shaping one or more magneticfields, in accordance with another implementation of the presenttechnology, is shown. The method can include generating one or moremagnetic fields, at 1010. Generating the one or more magnetic fields caninclude passing a current in a helix, double-helix, double racetrack,cosine theta, canted cosine-theta or the like path. Passing the currentaround the given path can comprise passing a current through a resistiveor superconducting coil of a given volume and length.

At 1020, the one or more magnetic fields can be concentrated or guidedusing one or more foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor structures. Theone or more foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor structures can bedisposed in one or more predetermined positions with relation to the oneor more magnetic fields to concentrate or guide the one or more magneticfields. For example, the one or more foil, tape and/or bulksuperconductor structures can be disposed in one or more predeterminedpositions with relation to the coil to concentrate or guide the one ormore magnetic fields through a contiguous portion of a volume thatextends through the one or more foil, tape and/or bulk superconductorstructures. Confining or shaping the one or more magnetic fields canfurther include providing one or more magnetic shields disposed in oneor more other predetermined positions with relation to the coil.

The magnetic field concentrating and/or guiding devices and methods inaccordance with aspects of the present technology can advantageously beutilized in radiation therapy devices such as, but not limited to,radiotherapy, radiosurgery, and proton therapy. The magnetic fieldconcentrating and/or guiding devices and methods can also advantageouslybe utilized in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI), accelerator magnets for high energy physics (HEP)research, and nuclear fusion. For example, the devices for concentratingone or more magnetic fields can be utilized for bending magnets,focusing magnets and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, an exemplary device for applying aconcentrated magnetic field to a charged particle, in accordance withanother implementation of the present technology is shown. An end viewof the device 1100 is illustrated in FIG. 1A, and a cutaway, alongsection line A-A, side view of the device 1100 is illustrated in FIG.1B. The device 1100 can include one or more coils 1110 disposed about alength of a volume. The device 1100 can further include a plurality offoil, tape and/or bulk superconductor structures 1115, 1120 disposed inthe interior volume of the coil 1110. A magnetic field carrying region1125 can extend lengthwise and widthwise through the volume between atleast two of the plurality of foil, tape and/or bulk superconductorstructures 1115, 1120. One or more coil apertures 1130 can be disposedthrough the one or more coils 1110. The one or more coil apertures 1130can be aligned to the widthwise ends of the magnetic field carryingregion 1125.

The one or more coils 1110 can be configured to generate one or moremagnetic fields in response to a current passing through the one or morecoils 1110. The one or more coils 1.110 can be arranged as a singlehelix, a double-helix, double racetrack, cosine theta, cantedcosine-theta or the like. Although the one or more coils 1110 areillustrated as a cylinder, the one or more conductive coils 1110 canhave any form factor. The one or more cods 1110 can he comprised of aresistive conductor or a superconductor. In one implementation, the oneor more cm Is 1110 can comprise a split coil having a gap disposedbetween a first and second portion of the split coil. The gap of thesplit coil can comprise the one or more coil apertures 1130.

The plurality of foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor structures 1115,1120 can be formed from a medium-temperature superconductor material orhigh-temperature superconductor material. In one implementation, theplurality of foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor 1115, 1120 can bearranged to till the interior volume of the one or more coils 1110, andto form a magnetic field carrying region 1125. In one implementation,the plurality of bulk superconductor structures 1115, 1120 can bemachined to fill the interior volume of the one or more coils 1110, andto form a curved magnetic field carrying region 1125 between first andsecond ones of the bulk superconductor structures 1115, 1120. In anotherimplementation, the bulk superconductor material can he molded to formthe plurality of bulk superconductor structures 1115, 1120 to fill theinterior volume of the one or more coils 1110 and form the magneticfield carrying region 1125 disposed between first and second ones of thebulk superconductor structures 1115, 1120. In one implementation, themagnetic field carrying region 1125 can be an open space filled withatmospheric gases or select gases, at a select temperature range and/orpressure range, or be at a low vacuum pressure. In otherimplementations, the magnetic field carrying region 1125 can bepartially or wholly filled by a mechanical reinforcement, such as aglass fiber reinforced epoxy resin to fix the position of the foil, tapeand/or bulk superconductor structures 1115, 1120 and maintain aspecified cross-sectional area of the magnetic field carrying region1125. In addition, magnetic materials, including but not limited toparamagnetic, ferromagnetic, holmium and the like materials can beutilized in combination with the foil, tape and/or bulk superconductorstructures 1115.1120. The additional magnetic materials can be disposedas liners in the magnetic field carrying region along the foil, tapeand/or bulk superconductor structures 1115, 1120, outside the foil, tapeand/or bulk superconductor structures 1115, 1120 proximate the entryand/or exit to the magnetic field carrying region 1125, and/or the like.The additional magnetic materials can for example be utilized to improveor modify the magnetic flux distribution in the magnetic field carryingregion 1125, the discontinuity in the magnetic field at the entry and/orexit to the magnetic field carrying region 1125, and/or the like.

The one or more magnetic fields generated by the one or more conductivecoils 1110 are partially or wholly excluded from within the one or morefoil, tape and or bulk superconductor structures 1115, 1120 by thesuperconductor material, thereby compressing or guiding the one or moremagnetic fields through the magnetic field carrying region 1125 disposedlengthwise through the one or more conductive coils. Compressing orguiding the one or more magnetic fields generated by the one or moreconductive coils 1110 advantageously increases the magnetic flux densitywithin the magnetic field carrying region 1125.

The one or more coil apertures 1130 can be configured to allow chargedparticles 1135 to pass through the one or more coils 1110 and enter themagnetic field carrying region 1125. Likewise, the one or more coilapertures 1130 can be configured to allow the charged particles 1135 toexit through the one or more coils 1110 after passing through themagnetic field carrying region 1125. As the changed particles 1135 passthrough the magnetic field carrying region 1125, perpendicular to thecompressed magnetic field, the compressed magnetic field deflects thecharged particles 1135 in a semicircular arc, arcuate, semicircular,compound arc or the like path.

The magnetic field carrying region 1125 can has any uniform ornon-uniform shape. For example, the magnetic field carrying region 1125may differ along the length of the coil, may differ in provide acrossthe coil, and or the like. In one implementation, the geometry of themagnetic field carrying region 1125 can he based on a specified energyrange for the charged particles passing through the magnetic fieldcarrying region 1125, a specified magnetic flux range of the compressedmagnetic field, and a specified bending radius range for the chargedparticles. In one implementation, the magnetic field carrying region1125 can he substantially straight through the interior of the one Ormore coils 1110 with a given width to account for the bending radius ofthe charged particles and various tolerances and deviations. In anotherimplementation, the magnetic field carrying region 1125 can have a curvesubstantially equal to the specified bending radius for the chargedparticles, and therefore the width of the magnetic field carrying region1125 can be reduced as compared to a straight magnetic field carryingregion 1125 profile.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an exemplary device for applying aconcentrated magnetic field to a charged particle, in accordance withanother implementation of the present technology, is shown. The device1200 is substantially similar to the device described above withreference to FIG. 11. Again, the one or more coils 1210 can be a singlehelix, a double-helix, double racetrack, cosine, theta, cantedcosine-theta or the like, However, the one or more coils 1210 caninclude one or more localized “wiggles” in the windings configured toform the one or more one or more coil apertures 1230 aligned to thewidthwise ends of the magnetic field carrying region 1225.

Again, the one or more coil apertures 1230 can be configured to allowcharged particles 1235 to pass through the one or more coils 1210 andenter the magnetic field carrying region 1225 disposed between the foil,tape and/or bulk superconductor structures 1215, 1220. Likewise, the oneor more coil apertures 1230 can be configured to allow the chargedparticles 1235 to exit through the one or more coils 1210 after passingthrough the magnetic field carrying region 1225. As the chargedparticles 1235 pass through the magnetic field carrying region 1225,perpendicular to the compressed magnetic field, the compressed magneticfield deflects the charged particles 1235 in a semicircular arc,arcuate, semicircular, compound arc or the like path.

Referring now to 11G. 13, an exemplary device for applying aconcentrated magnetic field to a charged particle, in accordance withanother implementation of the present technology, is shown. The device1300 is substantially similar to the device described above withreference to FIG. 12. The device 1300 further includes one or moremagnetic shield structures 1340 disposed about the one or moreconductive coils 1310. The one or more magnetic shield structures 1340,for example, can comprise a bulk superconductor shield material. The oneor more magnetic shield structures 1340 can have any form factorconfigured to disperse or reduce one or more magnetic fields proximatethe device 1300. For example, the one or more magnetic shield structures1340 can have a form factor that is disposed about the outside of theone or more conductive coils 1310 and extends along the length of theone or more conductive coils 1310, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Inanother example, the one or more magnetic shield structures 1340 canhave a form factor that is disposed about the outside of the one or moreconductive coils 131.0 and extends radially out from the one or moreconductive coils 1310, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Again, the one or more coil apertures 1330 can be configured to allowcharged particles 1335 to pass through the one or more coils 1310 andenter the magnetic field carrying region 1325 disposed between the bulksuperconductor structures 1315, 1320. Likewise, the one or more coilapertures 1330 can be configured to allow the charged particles 1335 toexit through the one or more coils 1310 after passing through themagnetic field carrying region 1325. As the charged particles 1335 passthrough the magnetic field carrying region 1325, perpendicular to thecompressed magnetic field, the compressed magnetic field deflects thecharged particles 1335 in a semicircular arc, arcuate, semicircularcompound arc or the like path.

Referring now to FIG. 14, an exemplary particle therapy system includingone or more devices for concentrating one or more magnetic fields, inaccordance with aspects of the present technology, is shown. Theparticle therapy system 1400 can include a particle source 1410, atransfer line 1415, a gantry 1420, a plurality of bending magnets 1425,a plurality of focusing magnets 1430, and a patient table 1435. Theparticle therapy system 1400 typically also includes numerous othercomponents, such as beam scanning components, beam instrumentationcomponents, vacuum components, power supply components, coolingcomponents, mechanical support components, gantry drive components andthe like, that are not necessary for an understanding of aspects of thepresent technology and therefore are not described further herein.

In one implementation, the particle source 1410 can be a cyclotronconfigured to generate a stream of protons on the transfer line 1415.The gantry 1420 can be configured to rotate around the patient table1435 to provide the charged particles to a target area, such a cancer ortumor in a patient. By rotating the gantry 1420 around the patient onthe patient table 1435 a given dose can be delivered to the target areawhile reducing the dose delivered to surrounding tissue. Commonly thegantry 1420 can be configured to rotate by ±180° about the patient table1435.

The plurality of bending magnets 1425 are configured to direct thecharged particle stream along the transfer line 1415 under a definedangle to the patient table 1435. The plurality of focusing magnets canbe configured to focus the charged particle stream as it propagatesalong the transfer line 141 to compensate for various distortion alongthe transfer line 1415.

In one implementation, one or more of the bending magnets 1425 can beconfigured to apply a concentrated magnetic field to a charged particlein accordance with aspects of the present technology. For example, oneor more of the bending magnets can comprise a solenoid configured togenerate a dipole magnetic field. The one or more bending magnets canfur her include a bulk superconductor structure disposed within thesolenoid. The bulk superconductor structure can include a slot extendinglengthwise and widthwise within the solenoid that is configured toconcentrate dipole magnetic field generated by the solenoid in thecurved channel. The solenoid can include apertures aligned at thewidthwise ends of curved channel for the proton beam to pass through thecurved channel. The concentrated dipole magnetic field in the channelacts to bend the trajectory of the proton particle beam. In an exemplaryimplementation, the one or more bending magnets can be as describedabove with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, 12, and/or 13, or a pluralityof one or more of such bending magnets to implement a compound bendingmagnet.

Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the focusing magnets 1430can be configured to apply a concentrated magnetic field in accordancewith aspects of the present technology. For example, one or more of thefocusing magnets can comprise four solenoids configured to generate aquadrupole magnetic field. The one or more focusing magnets can furtherinclude bulk superconductor structures disposed in each solenoid,wherein the bulk superconductor structures are configured to concentratethe quadrupole, sextupole or the like magnetic field. In an exemplaryimplementation, the one or more focusing magnets can be a quadrupolemagnet, as described above with reference to FIG. 7 and configured tofocus a charged particle stream.

In addition, the use of one or more superconducting shield structures,as described above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, 2A and 2B, and/or13 about the one or more bending magnets 1425 and/or one or morefocusing magnets 1430 can reduce, or even fully remove, undesirablestray magnetic fields around the magnets. This can enable placement ofbending magnets 1425 and/or focusing magnets 1430 closer to gantryfront-end components such as imaging and scanner components. Likewise,this can enable placement of bending magnets 1425 and/or focusingmagnets 1430 closer to the patient, which is important for compactgantries.

The concentrated magnetic fields provided by the toil, tape and/or bulksuperconductor structures can advantageously reduce the weight and/forsize of one or more bending magnets 1425, one or more focusing magnets1430, and/or the like. The reduced weight and/or size can also lead to areduction in the cost of the one or more bending magnets 1425, one ormore focusing magnets 1430, and/for the like. The reduced weight and/orsize of the one or more bending magnets 1425, one or more focusingmagnets 1430, and/or the like can also lead to a reduction in the sizeand/or weight of the gantry 1420. In addition, the concentrated magneticfields provided by the foil, tape and/or bulk superconductor structurescan advantageously reduce the current needed to generate a givenmagnetic flux and/or the cooling needed for operating the one or morebending magnets 1425, one or more focusing magnets 1430 and/or the like.The reduced current and/or cooling can lead to a further reduction inthe weight and/or size of the gantry 1420. The reduced current and/orcooling requirements can also lead to a reduction in the cost of thepower supply, cooling components, and/or the like. Furthermore, thereduced size and/or weight of the gantry 1420 can lead to a reduction Mthe cost of the gantry support structure.

The following examples pertain to specific technology embodiments andpoint out specific features, elements, or steps that may be used orotherwise combined in achieving such embodiments.

Example 1 includes a magnetic field concentrating or guiding devicecomprising: one or more coils to generate one or more magnetic fields;and one or more superconductor structures disposed in one or morepredetermined positions with relation to the one or more coils andshaped to concentrate or guide the one or more magnetic fields.

Example 2 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to Example 1, wherein the one or more superconductorstructures comprise one or more bulk superconductor structures.

Example 3 include the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to Example 1, wherein the one or more superconductorstructures comprise one or more foil or tape superconductor structures.

Example 4 includes magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to Example 1, wherein the one or more superconductorstructures comprise a combination of one or more bulk superconductorstructures and one or more foil or tape superconductor structures.

Example 5 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the one or moresuperconductor structures comprise one or more high-temperaturesuperconductor structures.

Example 6 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the one or more coilscomprise a plurality of coils disposed to generate a plurality ofmagnetic fields at predetermined orientations.

Example 7 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the one or moresuperconductor structures form one or more channels lengthwise throughthe one or more coils.

Example 8 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to Example 7, wherein a geometry of the one or more channelsis configured to shape the one or more magnetic fields.

Example 9 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to any one of Examples 1-4, further comprising: asuperconductor shield structure disposed about the one or more coils.

Example 10 includes a magnetic field concentrating or guiding devicecomprising: one or more conductive coils disposed about a length of avolume; one or more structures disposed in the volume, wherein the oneor more structures include a foil, tape or bulk superconductor; amagnetic field carrying region extending lengthwise through the volume;and one or more apertures disposed through the one or more conductivecoils and the magnetic field carrying region.

Example 11 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to Example 10, wherein the one or more apertures disposedthrough the magnetic field carrying region includes the magnetic fieldcarrying region extending widthwise through the volume.

Example 12 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to Example 10, wherein: the magnetic field carrying regionfurther extends widthwise through the volume; and the one or moreapertures are further disposed through the one or more conductive coilsto widthwise ends of the magnetic field carrying region.

Example 13 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to Example 10, further comprising: a superconductor shielddisposed about the one or more conductive coils.

Example 14 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to Example 13, wherein the one or more apertures are furtherdisposed through the superconductor shield.

Example 15 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to any one of Examples 10-14, wherein a geometry of themagnetic field carrying region is a function of a specified energy rangefor a charged particle beam passing widthwise through the magnetic fieldcarrying region, a specified magnetic flux range for passing lengthwisethrough the magnetic field carrying region, and a specified bendingradius range for the charged particle beam.

Example 16 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to any one of Examples 10-14, further comprising one or morecoolers coupled to the plurality of foil, tape or bulk superconductorstructures.

Example 17 includes a magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodcomprising: providing a coil; and providing a superconductor having achannel disposed in a predetermined position with relation to the coil.

Example 18 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodof Example 17, wherein the channel extends lengthwise and widthwisethrough an interior volume of the coil.

Example 19 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodof Example 17, wherein providing the superconductor comprises providinga high temperature superconductor disposed inside the coil.

Example 20 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodof Example 19, further comprising cooling the superconductor below acritical temperature of the superconductor.

Example 21 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodof any one of Examples 17-19 wherein providing the coil comprisesproviding a current passing through a resistive or superconducting coil.

Example 22 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodof Example 21, further comprising cooling the superconducting coil belowa critical temperature of the superconducting coil.

Example 23 includes a magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodcomprising: generating one or more magnetic fields; and concentrating orguiding the one or more magnetic fields.

Example 24 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodof Example 23, wherein generating the one or more magnetic fieldscomprises passing a current in a helix path around a length of a volume.

Example 25 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodof Example 24, wherein concentrating or guiding the one or more magneticfields comprises confining the one or more magnetic fields to acontiguous portion of the volume, wherein the contiguous portion extendsthe length of the volume.

Example 26 includes the magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodof Examples 23 or 24, further comprising: passing a charged particlebeam through the concentrated or guided one or more magnetic fields.

Example 27 include the magnetic field concentrating or guiding method ofExamples 23 or 24, wherein the one or more magnetic fields comprise aplurality of magnetic fields disposed at predetermined orientations toeach other.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presenttechnology have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thepresent technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the present technology and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe present technology and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claimsappended hereto and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic field concentrating or guiding devicecomprising: one or more coils to generate one or more magnetic fields;and one or more superconductor structures disposed in one or morepredetermined positions with relation to the one or more coils andshaped to concentrate or guide the one or more magnetic fields.
 2. Themagnetic field concentrating or guiding device according to claim 1,wherein the one or more superconductor structures comprise one Or morebulk superconductor structures.
 3. The magnetic field concentrating orguiding device according to claim 1, wherein the one or moresuperconductor structures comprise one or more foil or tapesuperconductor structures.
 4. The magnetic field concentrating orguiding device according to claim 1, wherein the one or moresuperconductor structures comprise a combination of one or more bulksuperconductor structures and one or more foil or tape superconductorstructures.
 5. The magnetic field concentrating or guiding, deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the one or more superconductor structurescomprise one or more high-temperature superconductor structures.
 6. Themagnetic field concentrating or guiding device according to claim 1,wherein the one or more coils comprise a plurality of coils disposed togenerate a plurality of magnetic fields at predetermined orientations.7. The magnetic field concentrating or guiding device according to claim1, wherein the one or more superconductor structures form one or morechannels lengthwise through the One or more coils.
 8. The magnetic fieldconcentrating or guiding device according to claim 7, wherein a geometryof the one or more channels is configured to shape the one or moremagnetic fields.
 9. The magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a superconductor shieldstructure disposed about the one or more coils.
 10. A magnetic fieldconcentrating or guiding device comprising: one or more conductive coilsdisposed about a length of a volume; one or more structures disposed inthe volume, wherein the one or more structures include a foil, tape orbulk superconductor; a magnetic field carrying region extendinglengthwise through the volume; and one or more apertures disposedthrough the one or more conductive coils and the magnetic field carryingregion.
 11. The magnetic field concentrating or guiding device accordingto claim 10, wherein the one or more apertures disposed through themagnetic field carrying region includes the magnetic field carryingregion extending widthwise through the volume.
 12. The magnetic fieldconcentrating or guiding device according to claim 10, wherein: themagnetic field carrying region further extends widthwise through thevolume; and the one or more apertures are further disposed through theone or more conductive coils to widthwise ends of the magnetic fieldcarrying region.
 13. The magnetic field concentrating or guiding deviceaccording to claim 10, further comprising: a superconductor shielddisposed about the one or more conductive coils.
 14. The magnetic fieldconcentrating or guiding device according to claim 13, wherein the oneor more apertures are further disposed through the superconductorshield.
 15. The magnetic field concentrating or guiding device accordingto claim 10, wherein a geometry of the magnetic field carrying region isa function of a specified energy range for a charged particle beampassing widthwise through the magnetic field carrying region, aspecified magnetic flux range for passing lengthwise through themagnetic field carrying region, and a specified bending radius range forthe charged particle beam.
 16. The magnetic field concentrating orguiding device according to claim 10, further comprising one or morecoolers coupled to the plurality of foil, tape or bulk superconductorstructures.
 17. A magnetic field concentrating or guiding methodcomprising: providing a coil; and providing a superconductor having achannel disposed in a predetermined position with relation to the coil.18. The magnetic field concentrating or guiding method of claim 17,wherein the channel extends lengthwise and widthwise through an interiorvolume of the coil.
 19. The magnetic field concentrating or guidingmethod of claim 17, wherein providing the superconductor comprisesproviding a high temperature superconductor disposed inside the coil.20. The magnetic field concentrating or guiding, method of claim 19,further comprising cooling the superconductor below a criticaltemperature of the superconductor.
 21. The magnetic field concentratingor guiding method of claim 17, wherein providing the coil comprisesproviding a current passing through a resistive or superconducting coil.22. The magnetic field concentrating or guiding method of claim 21,further comprising cooling the superconducting coil below a criticaltemperature of the superconducting coil.
 23. A magnetic fieldconcentrating or guiding method comprising: generating one or moremagnetic fields; and concentrating or guiding the one or more magneticfields.
 24. The magnetic field concentrating or guiding method of claim23, wherein generating the one or more magnetic fields comprises passinga current in a helix path around a length of a volume.
 25. The magneticfield concentrating or guiding method of claim 24, wherein concentratingor guiding die one or more magnetic fields comprises confining the oneor more magnetic fields to a contiguous portion of the volume, whereinthe contiguous portion extends the length of the volume.
 26. Themagnetic field concentrating or guiding method of Claim 23, furthercomprising: passing a charged particle beam through the concentrated orguided one or more magnetic fields.
 27. The magnetic field concentratingor guiding method of claim 23, wherein the one or more magnetic fieldscomprise a plurality of magnetic fields disposed at predeterminedorientations to each other.